Currency Exchange at Incheon Airport — Best Rates & Locations
How to minimize FX costs and find the best exchange rate before your flight.
Airport exchange counters are convenient but expensive — typically 3–5% worse than the best available rate. A few minutes of planning before your trip can save ₩50,000–₩150,000 per trip.
Best to Worst Options
✅ Travel card app (Travelogue, Travel Wallet)
Near-interbank rate, zero or minimal fee. Pre-load at home and use like a regular card abroad. This is the cheapest method by far.
✅ Internet banking exchange + airport pickup
Order foreign currency via your bank app (50–90% fee discount), then collect at the airport branch. At least 1 business day in advance.
⚠️ Airport bank counter (Hana, Shinhan)
Better than independent booths but still 1–2% worse than app-based exchange. Use only if you need cash at the last minute.
❌ Independent exchange booths
Worst rates at the airport. Spread is often 4–6% above mid-market rate. Avoid unless you have no alternatives.
Exchange Counter Locations
📍 T1: KEB Hana Bank and Woori Bank counters on 1F arrivals (near exits 4, 5, 8) and 3F check-in level. Independent booths also on 3F and 4F airside.
📍 T2: KEB Hana Bank on 1F arrivals and 3F check-in. Fewer independent booths than T1.
🕐 Bank counters: 06:00–22:00. Some exchange booths open 24h (airside only).
💡 Golden Rule
Always choose to be charged in local currency when using your card abroad (never accept dynamic currency conversion). That single setting can save 2–4% per transaction.